The NCAA defending Basketball champions have been denied a waiver that would let them participate in the 2013 tournament in which they were banned from due to below average academic standards. Basically none of the players were going to class and getting the right grades to play but were still allowed to participate. To me this is one of the most important college rule there is, this isn't the NBA, school comes first and playing basketball while in school (college) is a privilege and a lot of spoiled Division 1 athletes don't seem to understand that concept now a days. According to the NCAA, the Academic Progress Rate (APR) is a term-by-term measure of eligibility and retention for Division I student-athletes that was developed as an early indicator of eventual graduation rates. Everyone knows how great a program UCONN mens basketball team is and how a lot of players from there have great chances to continue their basketball carriers in the NBA. But with that being said it is still UCONN's duty as an academic institution to meet the minimum academic standards. The NCAA believes that they are making an example of UCONN to show they don't mess around when it comes to academics. I believe this is a fair punishment. Recently the APR has raised from 900 to 930, which translates to about a 50 percent graduation rate. In order for this to be fair to other schools the NCAA has allowed schools to have a four year average of 900 or a two year average of 930 in order to stay eligible for the 2013 tournament. The average APR in Division I men's basketball is 945, so UCONN being the NCAA defending champions are seen as a model program and with that being said should set an example for other basketball programs at the Division 1 level. The percentage of NCAA mens basketball players that make it to the NBA is approximately 1.2%. Also there are currently 11 former UCONN Huskies playing in the NBA who range from having played since as early as 1997 (Ray Allen) to being in their first season (Kemba Walker). From what we know UCONN will most likely appeal the NCAA's decision, but we won't find out the what will happen until april of this year. But little do some people know, not only is this a problem for UCONN but it will effect future recruiting as well. "This should teach student athletes that there is more to life than sports and they will face consequences if they do not perform academically. At the end of the day, many of these players are going to be future lawyers and businessman and their scoring average isn’t going to get them as far as their GPA will" (Todd, 2012).
This issue would be relevant to any sports organization because to keep it short and sweet, "You don't get good grades, YOU DONT PLAY" (Butler 2012). When hearing the facts I believe this would affect the people is a highly negative, for example other college athletes that strive in the classroom and work hard to have good grades. I feel this particular issues intensity is about a 10 on a scale to 10 which no longer makes it an issue but a public crisis.
I believe the NCAA really has no other choice but to implement this punishment. It seems only right that they make an example out of UCONN to show that they don't mess around when it comes to education. As the facts show, UCONN clearly did not make the required APR so there is no reason why they shouldn't be punished. There could be other options for the NCAA to take action but I truly believe this option would send the best message to the public and would help get their point across. As I have said before playing a sport in college is a privilege and should be earned in the classroom as well as on the court.
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